What is Credit for Prior Learning?
At UAlbany, we know college-level learning often happens outside the classroom. Credit for Prior Learning allows UAlbany students to earn academic credit for work experience, professional certification and licensing programs, military service, non-credit coursework and more.
Please email [email protected] with any questions about Credit for Prior Learning.
Eligibility for Prior Learning Evaluation
Considering Credit for Prior Learning early in your academic career with maximize its benefits toward your degree.
To be eligible for a Credit for Prior Learning evaluation, you must be a matriculated (degree-seeking) undergraduate student at UAlbany.
Application of Prior Learning Credits
Students cannot earn more than 30 prior learning credits, which are considered transfer credits. Students cannot apply more than 90 transfer credits toward bachelor’s degree requirements.
Prior learning credits are awarded as elective credit through UUNI 252 (lower-division) and UUNI 352 (upper-division). Lower-division credits cannot be applied to upper-division degree requirements.
Students cannot earn more than 30 credits for UUNI 252, UUNI 352, Applied Electives and Physical Education courses.
Students who want prior learning credit(s) to fulfill major and/or minor requirements must obtain approval from their academic department after the elective credit has been awarded.
Prior learning credit(s) cannot replace a failing grade or duplicate previously earned course credit.
How can I earn credit for my prior learning?
Credit is granted for verifiable college-level learning, not just the experience itself.
Students who wish to have prior learning evaluated for credit should complete the Credit for Prior Learning Interest Form. Please use the guidance below to determine what, if any, documentation you should submit with the interest form.
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Professional Certifications & Licenses
Students who have earned professional certifications and licenses through programs evaluated by the American Council on Education's National Guide or the National College Credit Recommendation Services may be granted elective credit(s).
Students will be required to provide:
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Official documentation from the issuing organization (Documentation must be issued directly to the University from the organization. Documentation provided to the University directly from the student will not be accepted.)
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Contact information for the organization for the University to verify completion of the credential
Note: Submitting documentation does not guarantee credit will be granted.
Military Service
Students who have completed military courses and/or served in the military may be eligible for elective credit(s) as recommended by the American Council on Education's Military Guide.
Veterans and active personnel from all U.S. military branches can access a transcript showing their experience.
Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard transcripts are called Joint Services Transcripts (JST). Air Force transcripts come from the Community College of the Air Force.
Students will be required to provide:
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Official documentation from the issuing organization (Documentation must be issued directly to the University from the organization. Documentation provided to the University directly from the student will not be accepted.)
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Contact information for the organization for the University to verify completion of the credential
Note: Submitting documentation does not guarantee credit will be granted.
Exams
UAlbany awards credit by exam in two ways — and students can take advantage of both options.
Students are granted credit at the time of UAlbany admission for successfully passing the following examinations:
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International Baccalaureate (IB)
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Advanced Placement (AP)
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General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Levels or GCEA)
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Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)
Visit the First-year Admissions, Transfer Admissions and International Admissions webpages for detailed submission guidance.
Students can also be granted credit and/or placement for successfully passing College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. CLEP’s Subject Examinations and General Examinations can be taken by anyone, anytime.
Visit the Undergraduate Bulletin for rules related to obtaining UAlbany credit by CLEP.
Students will be required to provide:
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Official documentation from the issuing organization (Documentation must be issued directly to the University from the organization. Documentation provided to the University directly from the student will not be accepted.)
-
Contact information for the organization for the University to verify completion of the credential
Note: Submitting documentation does not guarantee credit will be granted.